The types of cameras which accompany commercial CCTV systems come in many guises.
With technology moving on at great pace, today’s cameras are predominantly in IP format, with older analogue models now generally taking a back seat.
Even so, if you aren’t familiar with the many options and terminology surrounding cameras, here’s a useful summary of what CCTV security cameras are available.
Best Commercial CCTV Systems for Your Business
Fixed Dome Cameras
One of the most popular types are dome cameras. Named after their distinctive shape, they are suitable for both internal and external use. Once positioned, they stay fixed on a specific view.
Their one real downside is that if they are fitted externally and it rains, drops of water can collect on the dome cover, affecting the camera’s internal infra-red. This can sometimes blur or mask what the camera has spotted. For this reason, they are best installed inside a building.
Fixed Turret Camera
To get round the rain issues associated with dome cameras, the fixed turret alternative can be a better bet – especially for outdoor use. Unlike the dome version, they aren’t affected by precipitation. Furthermore, the camera and its infra‐red component are detached from each other, so the infra-red isn’t weather compromised, allowing it to effectively detect activity in extremely low or dark conditions. Another option is a varifocal turret camera.
Bullet Cameras
Bullet shaped cameras also have the infra-red feature and are great for zooming in on a specific area from a considerable distance away. Suitable for internal or external use, they are proven to work well in exceptionally cold conditions.
Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) Cameras
PTZ cameras are fully motorised units, which can be controlled locally via a joystick or remotely via an app. So, if you have a security control room in your premises or want to keep an eye on things remotely over the internet, they could be just the job.
These cameras can be programmed to scope out a particular area, like a yard or a car park, zooming in and out, viewing from a wide range of angles, providing comprehensive coverage, before returning to their starting position. And so forth.
The more sophisticated versions of PTZs are able to automatically home in and track moving objects and then keep a tail on them. Adding to their capability, they are equipped with powerful lenses, which can zoom in from considerable distances. Fitted with infrared, they are trusted night-time cameras, which also have their own wipers and in‐built heaters, so that the lenses stay crystal clear.
Examples of where PTZ cameras really come into their own is where there is a manned security operation, like a shopping centre or a sporting facility, enabling the operator to instantly pan into a particular spot where suspicious or unruly activity is taking place.
They can be at something of a disadvantage, however, if they unmanned or not connected to a movement detector. Left to their own devices, they may well be looking in the wrong place at the wrong time and miss a crime occurring. The way round this is to have the PTZ working in tandem with a number of fixed position cameras.
Fisheye Cameras
Is there a CCTV camera that can perform all the above functions? Well, yes. It’s called the fisheye camera. A relatively new addition to the current stable of devices, fisheyes feature – in one compact unit - many of the plus-points of the cameras we’ve already mentioned.
Fisheyes have a 360‐degree lens, which means they can be observing everything in any direction - all at the same time. If connected to a Network Video Recorder (NVR) system, they can record the entire scene. Fitted with infra-red for night- time clarity, they are also highly flexible in that you can extract/download up to four images from different areas, without interfering with the on-going recording of the overall scene. They also pick up sound, which all cameras are able to do, if specified.
One tip with these cameras. You’ll need a hard drive with large storage capacity, as the audio collected takes up lots of disk space.
Optical or Motorised Zoom Cameras
How about a CCTV security camera with both a fixed and zoom facility? Optical or motorised zoom cameras offer either option – for static viewing or the choice of zooming in electronically or digitally on a specified area.
Thermal Imaging Cameras
Designed for specialist applications, thermal imaging cameras pick up heat sources, e.g., to help detect a person at night who may be on the run or hiding. Suspects might think they can’t be seen and can evade capture - but their body temperature will keep them in plain sight. Thermal imaging devices are also very useful where there is poor visibility, perhaps caused by smoke or foggy conditions.
Justice Fire & Security – Trusted Name in Commercial CCTV Systems and Security Cameras
Much has moved on technologically since Justice Fire and Security started out in business forty years ago. During that time, CCTV has become increasingly sophisticated but, due to demand, today’s systems have also tended to become more competitively priced.
In an era where commercial property security is critically important, requirements and budgets can vary considerably. It might be just a few cameras to protect the exterior and entry points at your property or a comprehensive indoor and outdoor CCTV system, covering an extensive site with multiple buildings.
CCTV Installation in Birmingham and Beyond
Birmingham-based, our bespoke, industry leading CCTV installations for businesses are proven to provide the most effective security for every type of commercial premises across the Greater Midlands.
As Gold Accredited NSI NACOSS, BAFE registered and BSIA members, we offer tailored security solutions for all sizes and types of businesses - encompassing office, retail, industrial, leisure and more besides, across the public and private sectors.
Our experienced team of engineers are ideally placed to advise on and install a system that best meets your commercial security requirements.
If you need any assistance in keeping your business premises safe, or you are unhappy with your current CCTV provider, don’t hesitate to call our office today on 0845 468 0927 for a no-obligation chat, whereupon we can organise a free security survey.
Our coverage extends across the entire Birmingham metropolitan area, extending to Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
